Amman - A Tunisian study has revealed that 25% of women over 45 years old suffer from osteoporosis, particularly after menopause, according to Dr. Kawther Ben Abdelghani, a specialist in orthopedics at the Monji Slim Hospital.
اضافة اعلان
According to a report by the Tunisian News Agency as part of the health bulletin for the Union of Arab News Agencies (FANA), Dr. Ben Abdelghani explained that osteoporosis in women after menopause is often a "silent" disease, as symptoms or pain may not appear in the early stages.
She pointed out that hormonal changes play a key role in weakening bones, making them more prone to fractures. Genetic factors, such as a family history of fractures in the pelvic area, can also increase the likelihood of the disease.
She emphasized that a fracture in the hip increases the risk of death by 20% for those with osteoporosis.
Dr. Ben Abdelghani also noted that individuals with fair skin are more likely to suffer from this disease, and deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D significantly contribute to osteoporosis.
She recommended early diagnosis for women over 45 and stressed the importance of adhering to treatment under the supervision of specialized doctors.
She concluded by urging prevention through a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, as these are essential for maintaining bone health and strength.
President of the Tunisian Society of Internal Medicine: Lupus is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in internal medicine in Tunisia
Dr. Kawther Ben Abdelghani, President of the Tunisian Society of Internal Medicine, confirmed that lupus is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in internal medicine in Tunisia.
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own cells and organs, affecting various parts of the body such as the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, and blood cells.
Dr. Ben Abdelghani explained that skin rashes and arthritis are among the main symptoms of lupus, but the disease can also affect other organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. It becomes more dangerous when it affects the brain, spinal cord, and kidneys, requiring specialized and precise treatment.
She emphasized that lupus is not a serious threat if it affects only the skin, and noted that internal medicine doctors work alongside orthopedic specialists to provide appropriate treatment.
She also mentioned that internal medicine specializes in treating diseases that affect the immune system or cause prolonged fever without a clear cause, such as lupus and Sjögren's syndrome.
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the glands, causing dryness in various body tissues. Doctors often refer patients with symptoms like dry eyes or swollen legs to internal medicine specialists after diagnosis.
Dr. Ben Abdelghani concluded by saying that the society is working to raise awareness about lupus to enable early diagnosis and highlight the importance of internal medicine, through organizing seminars, scientific conferences, and various awareness-raising events.
Recent Study by Pasteur Institute of Tunisia Reveals the Effectiveness of HPV Vaccination in Reducing Cervical Cancer Cases
A recent study conducted by a lab at the Pasteur Institute of Tunisia on the cost and effects of the HPV vaccination highlighted the importance of this vaccination as an effective step in reducing cervical cancer rates.
The study also indicated that the HPV vaccination reduces the high costs of treating advanced cervical cancer.
HPV causes several cancers, most notably cervical cancer, but it can be prevented through vaccination and early screening, according to the study.
The results of the study were presented in late December during a scientific day at the Pasteur Institute in Tunisia, attended by approximately 80 participants, including health ministry representatives, health experts, economists in the healthcare field, members of scientific associations, and UNICEF representatives.
Cervical cancer ranked fourth among the most common cancers in women in Tunisia in 2023, according to official statistics from the Epidemiology Department at the Saleh Aziz Institute in the capital.
The Ministry of Health is expected to begin including the HPV vaccination in the national vaccination schedule for girls aged 12 to 14 in 2025.
"Frostbite" Has Two Types: One Caused by Extreme Cold Exposure, the Other by Medical Conditions
Frostbite, or vasospasm, occurs when blood flow to the body’s extremities is insufficient, causing pain and skin damage in the hands, legs, ears, or nose.
Professor Farhat Chelbi, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine in Monastir and Head of Internal Medicine at the Regional Hospital of Gafsa, explained that there are two types of frostbite: one caused by extreme cold exposure and another linked to medical conditions. He pointed out that frostbite is more common in women, especially in colder regions.
He further explained that the affected area of vasospasm goes through three stages: the first is white, then turns blue in the second stage, and eventually becomes red before returning to its normal color. Complications can lead to tissue damage or skin ulcers.
Frostbite can occur when the body is exposed to very low temperatures and can also be associated with medical conditions like artery diseases, autoimmune diseases, or skin diseases such as scleroderma and lupus.
For frostbite caused by extreme cold, prevention includes wearing appropriate clothing, using heating devices, eating healthy meals, staying hydrated, and seeking medical advice if symptoms persist without exposure to cold.
Seasonal Flu Affects About 20% of the Elderly
Seasonal flu affects about 20% of the elderly, and 70% of them are hospitalized in public hospitals, according to Dr. Afaf Hammami, a specialist in geriatric medicine.
Dr. Hammami explained that older adults are more vulnerable to seasonal flu due to their weakened immune system, lower response to infections, and slower production of antibodies.
She noted that the mortality rate from seasonal flu among the elderly ranges from 8% to 10%, according to statistics from the National Observatory for New and Emerging Diseases.
She stressed the importance of flu prevention during the winter, recommending vaccination against the seasonal flu, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, frequent handwashing, wearing masks, taking adequate rest, drinking fluids, and consulting a doctor for appropriate antibiotic treatment if bacterial infections occur.
WHO: Respiratory Diseases Are Common in China and Other Places During Winter
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the increase in respiratory diseases in China and other parts of the northern hemisphere during winter is expected, confirming that no unusual outbreaks have been reported.
Reports about rising cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) pneumonia in China made headlines globally, with hospitals reportedly overcrowded, reminding people of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic more than five years ago.
However, the WHO issued a statement on January 7, 2025, confirming that it had been in contact with Chinese health authorities, who had not reported any unusual outbreaks. The Chinese authorities also informed the UN body that the health system is not overwhelmed and that no emergency measures have been initiated.
The WHO reported that Chinese data up to December 29 showed an increase in respiratory virus infections, seasonal flu, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus, particularly in northern China. It added that flu is currently the most common cause of illness.
Study: Whole Milk and Dairy Fat Have Little Impact on Fat Metabolism
A recent study by Chinese researchers showed that long-term consumption of whole milk and dairy fat does not significantly increase body weight or blood fat levels in mice.
Milk is a staple food for more than 6 billion people globally, making it one of the most widely consumed foods.
The study, published in "iMeta," found that previous studies suggested diets rich in saturated fats could increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, but recent studies indicate that dairy fats might not contribute to this risk, leaving the long-term effects of dairy fats on fat metabolism unclear.
To explore this further, researchers conducted a seven-week experiment on mice, dividing them into two groups. One group received a normal diet, while the other received a high-fat diet. Both groups were given daily doses of 15 ml of whole milk or 0.5 ml of dairy fat, equivalent to a human consuming more than 2 kilograms of milk or 100 grams of dairy fat daily for five years.
The study showed that whole milk and dairy fats did not significantly affect body weight or blood fat levels in the mice, regardless of the diet.
The study also found that whole milk and dairy fats improved gut microbiome diversity and increased the presence of bacteria and metabolites related to fat regulation.
Wang Jiaqi, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, stated that the study dispels long-standing concerns about whole milk and dairy fats, offering valuable insights for the food industry and global nutrition policies, and improving food resource efficiency.
Study: Sugary Drinks Linked to Millions of New Cases of Diabetes and Heart Disease
A new study revealed that sugary drinks are responsible for more than 2.2 million new cases of diabetes and 1.1 million new cases of heart disease annually worldwide.
The study, published in "Nature Medicine," showed that sugary drinks are contributing to growing health disparities globally, with Africa seeing the highest increase in diseases related to sugary drinks between 1990 and 2020.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, sugary drinks were responsible for around a quarter (24%) of new diabetes cases in 2020. In sub-Saharan Africa, sugary drinks caused more than a fifth (21%) of new diabetes cases and more than one in ten (11%) new heart disease cases.
Sugary drinks are rapidly digested, causing a sharp rise in blood sugar levels, with low nutritional value. Regular consumption leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other health issues related to type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The study's authors called for a range of actions, including awareness campaigns, regulation of sugary drink advertisements, and taxes on sugary beverages.
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